What brand and model of KD fasteners do you like to use ? What special tooling is used? I do not have a drill block. How does this method KD fastener, compare to blind dado and pocket screws, for shipping to the consumer for final assembly?

Will,We use Hafele Rafix fasteners.All the machining can be done with a standard 5mm upshear / drill, and interpolation for the larger hole with any tool you like (we use the 8mm upshear). No drill block required. Hope this helps,jnr

We use the Rafix also. There are 2 versions 1 sits 1mm proud of the surface & the other will go flush. You need a 20mm drill bit that cuts a chamfer for the flush version. We use a 20mm drill bit for the type that sits proud. We don't use them on a lot of cabinets but for some applications they are the answer.

We don't use the flush connectors at all. The chamfer would be a problem in machining - it would likely warrant a custom tool to do those drill operations in one drop if there were enough of them. Just my opinionjnr

Will Williamson wrote:What is the application for the flush mount as compared to the one that protrude?

I am sure there are other situations that require them but for us it would be, drawers so the drawer face fits flush and cabinets that need to sit flush on another cabinet or have another cabinet or counter sit flush on them.

Josh Rayburn wrote:Forrest, thank you I never had a need for it but it's great to know the bit is readily available if we come across a situation that warrants it!Gerry, what thickness drawer material are you using?

Gerry, you might need the minifix instead, I think the "regular" rafix connectors might be only for 19mm material, but you would have to check that out if you haven't already. I have had success with both fasteners. Hope this helps,jnr

You can buy Rafix for both 19mm and 16mm material. The flush mount is for the exact scenario of adjacent mounting but also because it is less visible and even excepts a thin cap to hide it. The bit I'm using works extremely well and last a long time but you will need to set the RPMs no higher than 10k and plunge at 100 IPM. The max RPMs from the manufacturer I believe is 3800 RPM but I've used 10k for the last 10 years on the same bit. Its hard to put a number on the amount of holes I've drilled with this same bit but I'm sure its over 50k.

We have used them in the past but I just looked for the part online & I see the flush version in 16mm has been discontinued. I guess I will need to find an alternative for the 16mm. I'll give the minifix a look.

We mostly use them on 19mm lock dado closet parts so it is not something I do every day.

The "Minifix" requires horizontal boring. It is used commonly in office furniture and crappy vanities from a big box store.

I have machined parts for the Rafix on a weekly basis for 10 years now. Closet parts are almost always cams only joinery. Cabinets can be either the cam lock or lock dado joinery. As of late almost all of the cabinet parts have been in the newer pocket screw joinery.